Why These Less-Touristy Bordeaux Restaurants Deserve Your Attention (Even Locals Might Be Surprised!)
Want to taste Bordeaux? These hidden gems go beyond the tourist traps and serve dishes that’ll make even locals jealous. Forget about your typical wine-and-cheese combo, these places offer unforgettable meals and secret recipes that regulars keep all to themselves.
1. La Brasserie Bordelaise
If you’re craving authentic Bordelais food with a side of energy, La Brasserie Bordelaise on Rue Saint-Rémi is the place. With its incredible steak and rich French dishes, it attracts both locals and visitors looking for a true taste of Bordeaux. The steaks are tender and packed with flavor, and you’ll be spoiled for choice with over 700 wines on their list.
2. L’Entrecôte
L’Entrecôte is where you go for one thing: steak frites. Right in the heart of Bordeaux, near the Grand Théâtre, this legendary restaurant serves a single dish - sliced sirloin in their famous secret sauce, with a pile of crispy fries. Simple, classic, and unbeatable. With no reservations accepted, expect to queue up! It’s absolutely worth the wait.
3. La Tupina
A Bordeaux institution, La Tupina serves up classic southwestern French cuisine in a rustic setting with open fire cooking and vintage farmhouse decor. It feels like a cozy French countryside kitchen. La Tupina is on the pricier side but every bite is worth it with dishes like foie gras, duck fat potatoes, and their iconic dessert: a stuffed canelé with salted caramel.
4. Le 7 Restaurant
For one of the best views in Bordeaux, check out Le 7 Restaurant at La Cité du Vin. Perched on the 7th floor, it’s a great place to catch the sun setting over the Garonne River while enjoying carefully crafted French dishes with great wines. The menu changes with the seasons and each dish is paired with wines from around the world. Book a table just before sunset in the summer.
5. Le Chien de Pavlov
Le Chien de Pavlov is a cozy spot in the Saint Pierre district, with an inviting, quirky charm. Mismatched vintage furniture and tiny, warm lights make it feel like someone’s stylish living room. The menu features dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. A laid-back vibe, and one of the best-priced glasses of wine in town.
6. Symbiose
Symbiose is both a restaurant and a speakeasy bar. Reservations can be tough to get, but once inside, the dishes are creative, seasonal, and beautifully prepared. By day, it’s a cozy eatery, and by night, a cocktail bar with a secret room hidden behind a clock. It’s worth going for lunch for a taste of gourmet Bordeaux without the high price tag.
7. Le Canopée Café
Le Canopée Café is a trendy rooftop in Mérignac, just outside Bordeaux. On sunny days, you can enjoy lunch with views of the city, or head there in the evening for tapas, cocktails, and a game of pétanque. The food has a modern twist on Bordelaise flavors. A fun choice for both food and vibe.
8. Bistro du Musée
Sitting across from the impressive Cathédrale Saint-André, Bistro du Musée offers local dishes and a serious wine list in one of Bordeaux’s most scenic areas. The cozy atmosphere and rustic decor feel inviting and authentic. The place is famous for its slow-cooked lamb shank. Despite being near a major attraction, it’s also a favorite for locals.
9. Le Chiopot
Le Chiopot has been a go-to for meat lovers in Bordeaux for over 75 years. A bit outside the city center, this restaurant is all about big, hearty portions, ideal for sharing with friends. Try the prime rib or leg of lamb - these dishes are designed for groups.
10. Restaurant LouLou
Located near Place de la Bourse, Loulou has a charming French bistro feel. The menu is written on a chalkboard and changes daily, based on fresh local ingredients. Their beef cheek, served with seasonal sides, is a favorite among regulars.
11. Arcada
In a quiet street in Old Bordeaux, Arcada is a hidden gem led by chef Sofiane Bouhabib. Opened in 2019, this intimate restaurant draws on fresh, seasonal ingredients from regional producers. The wine selection spans top picks from France and beyond, and for cigar lovers, there’s a special treat: a curated cigar collection by the chef himself.